Atlanta students tutor their teachers in digital skills thanks to Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T
Atlanta, Ga. (February 25, 2025) – Tri-Cities High School’s DECA students took a unique approach to helping community members learn essential digital skills – they started with their own teachers.
“The students taught the teachers how to utilize the various programs,” said Dr. Jessica Mayweather, Disproportionality Specialist and advisor for the DECA team. “The teachers needed to know how so that they could pass it on to the parents of their students.”
The idea is simple and effective – train the teachers who can identify those parents in need of help navigating a digital world. Those teachers requested a video format to share.
“We just believed that they needed to be trained first before they sent the information to parents so that they could answer any potential questions parents may ask,” added Mayweather.
It was not only informative for staff but was also a great experience for the students.
"The teachers asked a lot of questions, and it made me feel like I was really helping them and my presentation really mattered to them,” said Vashti M. and Kevin S., student participants who taught a class.
"The presentation was cool, and the added activities helped to drive the interaction with the teachers and our presentation,” said Mariana S. and Samantha H, student participants who taught a class.
The DECA team is participating in Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, a program now in 36 states and led by Connected Nation (CN). The national nonprofit is working to close the Digital Divide, which includes helping others learn essential digital skills.
That’s where Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, comes in – the program, funded by AT&T, provides training resources, mentor guidance, and financial incentives for teams.
“We utilized the template provided and added input based on questions asked. Some actual use of the internet was utilized as supplemental presentation materials,” said Dr. Mayweather.
The classes offered through Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, range from computer and email basics to internet safety.
Essentially, teens use the digital skills they’ve grown up with to help older adults, immigrants, and others in their communities understand how to access the resources and opportunities the internet provide.
"It was awesome being able to go around the commons and answer the questions the teachers had and show them how to take the surveys,” said Kevin M., student participant who taught a class.
To date, the program has trained 18,404 adult learners in essential digital skills and we’re looking for more teams to take part! It’s easy to start a team.
Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, is perfect for schools, youth organizations, and student-led initiatives looking for community service opportunities. To learn more, fill out an interest form or contact Jessica Golson at jgolson@connectednation.org.